Clemson football has always been known for its explosive wide receivers, and in the 2022 season, a new star emerged at the end of the season in the form of freshman wide receiver Cole Turner. Despite being a redshirt in his first year, Turner showed significant potential towards the end of the season, culminating in a notable impact in the 2022 ACC Championship game.
Standing at 6-foot-1-inch, Turner possesses an impressive physique that allows him to make contested catches and win one-on-one matchups. His skill set has drawn comparisons to former Clemson star DeAndre Hopkins, who is now a dominant force in the NFL. Tajh Boyd, a former Clemson quarterback, and current analyst have raved about Turner’s potential, saying that “with his body type and hands, he reminds me of DeAndre Hopkins.”
Turner’s breakout moment came in the 2022 ACC Championship game against Pittsburgh. In just his second career game, he recorded a team-season-long 68-yard reception, and his three catches for 101 yards made him the first Clemson player to record a 100-yard receiving game that season. He achieved this feat in just his second career game, tying the record set by Artavis Scott in 2014 and Justyn Ross in 2018 for the fewest games needed to reach 100 receiving yards in Clemson history.
But Turner’s success was not limited to just one game. In his debut game against Miami (Fla.), he caught a nine-yard pass, which led to a crucial third-down conversion. And in the Orange Bowl against No. 6 Tennessee, he caught four passes for 51 yards, showcasing his versatility and ability to perform under pressure.
“He is a strong player…still room to grow…that is an area where I have challenged him”
Grisham said.
Turner’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates. According to Tyler Grisham, Clemson’s wide receivers coach, head coach Dabo Swinney “loves him some Cole Turner.” Turner has been getting all the reps with the first-team starters due to injuries to other wide receivers, and coaches are excited about his potential to help the offense in the upcoming season.
But Turner knows that there is still room for improvement, and he is eager to work hard and continue to develop his skills. Grisham has challenged him to grow even further, and Turner is up for the challenge. “He is a strong player…still room to grow…that is an area where I have challenged him,” Grisham said.
So, if you’re a Clemson fan, keep your eyes on Cole Turner. He could be a bright spot in the future of Clemson football, and he’s already well on his way to becoming one of the best.
